A New Mexico black bear
Black bear are abundant on the Rio Costilla and can be hunted as an add-on combo hunt during the primary elk archery or gun hunts in September and October on a trophy fee basis. What does this mean? If you book a trophy elk hunt with Rio Adventures, you can add a black bear hunt on a trophy fee basis which requires you purchase a non-resident black bear license for hunting unit 55A.
If during your primary elk hunt you have an opportunity to harvest a black bear you may harvest it and pay a $1,000 trophy fee. If during your primary elk hunt you don't harvest a black bear you're out only the cost of the non-resident bear license which is $290.00. Mind you, the NM Dept, of Game & Fish keeps track of bear harvests state-wide. If they close a unit because it has reached it harvest rate no more hunting will be allowed. If you wish to add a bear to your primary elk hunt we'll have four days approximately to decide to add the hunt. If the unit is closed there is no add a bear feature.
If hunting with hounds sounds exciting, we have a well-trained pack of hounds and an experienced hounds man that can be released to run you a trophy black bear. This is an exciting hunting opportunity that requires the hunter to be physical fit as we use 4WD vehicles, quads and foot to race among the chasing pack to eventual baying of the bruin. North central New Mexico is home to some of the biggest bruins in the country. Color phases run from black, to brown cinnamon and red. Tags and licenses can be purchased over the counter.
